Prez discusses Syria crisis with Jordanian PM

The explosive situation in Syria, Palestine and the threat posed by terror group ISIS was discussed by India and Jordan today on the second day of President Pranab Mukherjee's visit here.
The two countries also signed six agreements of cooperation covering a wide range of subjects including merchant shipping, training of diplomats, information technology, cultural exchanges and media. Ten MoUs for academic cooperation between Indian and Jordanian universities were also signed.
Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour met Mukherjee to discuss matters of mutual interest. The meeting was followed by delegation-level talks and signing of agreements.
There was a "meeting of minds" between the two sides on the situation in Syria, Palestine and the ISIS menace, an Indian spokesman said later.

On Syria, the two countries were in favour of a long-term solution based on the Geneva accord which calls for a transition in the country with the participation of the current government and those outside it, the spokesman said.
On terrorism also, the two sides pitched for a long-term solution and tackling of terrorism on multiple fronts. They underlined the need for adoption of the comprehensive UN convention on international terrorism.

India favoured a comprehensive, and not a piecemeal approach, to fight the threat posed by ISIS. It should not be fought only militarily but through other measures such as diplomatic isolation and cutting off of sources of funds.

On Palestine, the President re-affirmed India's longstanding commitment to the Palestinian cause and the creation of an independent, viable and united Palestine with east Jerusalem as its capital.
The two countries identified four core areas of economic cooperation - IT, pharmaceuticals, automotives and textiles as well as renewable energy. They will explore possibilities of investments in these areas.
Mukherjee underlined that India will need USD 1 trillion as investment to lift those below the poverty line.
The agreement on maritime cooperation is to boost development of relations in merchant shipping and maritime transport.
Ways and means to strengthen bilateral relations in information technology and electronics is covered by an MoU.

An agreement on cultural exchange for two years was also signed.
The Jordanian news agency, Petra, and PTI signed an agreement for exchange and distribution of news.
The MoUs on academic cooperation involved Delhi University, JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia as well as IIT Kharagpur.